The Sunshine State (5)

Okay, to wrap up our vacation, we visited the pretty awesome Orlando Science Center (BONUS: lunch at Steak 'n' Shake) before heading back to Cali, our home sweet home.

T.Rex

Ava and Quinn rehearse for a play.

Quinn loved the Tinker Toys.

Love the colorful roof of the walkway.

Learning about circuits.

I gave her a dollar to push the suitcase.

Safety first!

Stitch was an excellent cuddle buddy.

The Sunshine State (4)

We ended our time in Florida by staying at Disney for a few days with Craig's parents. We didn't actually go to a park (just like last time we visited Orlando) but the kids enjoyed the pool and boat rides and we got to see grandparents, cousins, and kids of cousins so everyone still had a great time.

Craig and Robbie.

We can't pass up a carousel.

We had dinner with Belle.

She poses for photos with fans.

Dillon made friends at the LEGO store.

The girls say hello.

Important to stay hydrated.

An alien followed us home.

Octopus and sesame noodles.

Here is a super short video of a super short water slide.

The Sunshine State (3)

One of the fun things we did while in Florida was visit the Kennedy Space Center. I'm always awed by our ability to leave the planet and land on the moon!

It was SO HOT! Ava and Dillon cooled off on the splash pad.

Ready for blast off.

Looking up at Saturn V.

The rocket garden.

Sweaty but happy.

This kid loves to jump.

The Sunshine State (2)

Orlando has a really lovely (albeit sweaty) botanical gardens, called Lew Gardens. I don't think I ever went when I lived in Florida, but we had a nice time strolling around here one afternoon. It rained on us. What else is new? This is a long post so settle in.

I love this moment of freedom.

Water fountain.

Dillon really wanted me to take this picture.

Mossy bamboo.

I like the little adobe house next to the cactus.

Spanish moss all around.

Quinny got so sweaty.

Goofball.

You know...put your hands up.

Gazebo dancing.

The Sunshine State (1)

Fasten your safety belts and put your tray tables in the upright position. Settle in for a long flight to the land of alligators and blue plate specials. That's right: we went to Florida! What did we do? What DIDN'T we do?

First, we have some super cute pix of Dillon hanging out with (technically 2nd) cousin Ava. Even though Ava's a few years older, they get along really well.

Crime fighters.

Kitties.

Leapin' lizards.

Huggies.

We also took the kids to Crayola Experience, which as an adult, I thought was fun because I love coloring. I think even my dad enjoyed it.

Dillon standing in front of the outfit she deigned.

Quinn loved those dog seats.

She loved this dog too.

Grandpa colors with the girls.

Put ya hands up! Put ya hands up!

Adventures in Learning: Ragnarok

Dillon's new school year just started (I write these posts way in advance so right now it's September even though it won't post until December) so I don't have any new pictures to post, so this is a Quinn-only edition of Adventures in Learning.

Quinny collage!

She will always make friends with the (stuffed) animals.

Leading everyone in dog play.

The Three Amigos.

What's my password again?

Hugs from Theia.

That Was Then / This Is Now (31)

Remember when I used to have time to sew? I don't, but I guess it's true. I made Dillon a candy-themed romper, which she wore shopping one day with some Sophia Loren-esque shades. Four years later, ditto for Quinn at the zoo.

Taken 10/15/2013

Taken 7/3/2017